How to Treat Spider Veins on the Feet & Ankles

Spider veins are related to varicose veins, or veins that become swollen and twisted due to weak or damaged vein valves. The damaged valves cause blood flowing back to the heart to back up and pool in the veins of the legs and feet. Spider veins are a result of this same scenario, but instead involve the capillaries, which are the smallest veins in the body. Spider veins can be differentiated from varicose veins by their spider web pattern. Varicose veins tend to bulge because they are swollen with backed up blood.

Things You'll Need

• Pillows
• Horse chestnut
• Loose clothing
• Flat heels
• Compression stockings
• Doctor's appointment

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Instructions

Treatments

• 1

  Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. If you have a sedentary job, try to get up and walk around every half hour. While sitting, keep your affected leg elevated. At home, try to lie down with your legs up on pillows so they are elevated at least 12 inches above your heart. Wear flat shoes and avoid high heels. Flat shoes strengthen the calf muscles which in turn support the valves. Walk whenever possible as walking assists the proper functioning of the vein valves. Wear loose clothing to avoid constricting the blood vessels in your pelvis. Avoid crossing your legs, which can also restrict blood flow. Horse chestnut, taken in 300 mg. doses every 4 to 12 hours for up to 12 weeks, has been clinically proven to decrease leg pain, itchiness and fatigue. Wear compression stockings which can now be purchased at drug stores. They apply pressure to your legs which helps prevent blood pooling.

• 2

  Make an appointment with your doctor. There are several medical procedures that can be performed should the home remedies fail. For example, microsclerotherapy involves injecting a liquid chemical into the vein that causes it to close off and fade away. This can be done in your doctor's office but may require several treatments. Applying laser energy to spider veins can also help the condition.

• 3

  Check with your insurance company to ensure the procedure you choose is covered. Frequently, insurance will not cover removal of spider veins for cosmetic purposes; they will only cover it if the treatment is medically necessary.